12 Easy Ways To Get in Shape At Your Desk

While sitting at your desk at work…

Tone your shoulders
Keep exercise tubing or light weights in your desk drawer and use them while talking on the phone, says Gretchen Zelek, founder of Do or Die Fitness in Pasedena, Calif. Try biceps curls or overhead punches (press the 3-to-5 lbs. dumbbell up towards the ceiling without locking your elbow). Repeat 15 times and switch arms.

Tighten your triceps
Do chair dips for triceps using a sturdy chair or desk. Facing outward, place palms on the desk behind you, knees bent and feet flat on the floor; bend your arms and lower yourself until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, and push yourself back up. Repeat 15 times.

Stretch out your back
Open your knees and fold your body over you thighs letting your head hang low towards your feet, suggests Tamal Dodge, Start of the Element: Yoga for Energy & Relaxation DVD. This forward bend recharges your circulation and loosens up your back.

While getting ready in the morning…

Strengthen your core
Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. It sounds silly but it will help work those deep core muscles, says Jay Cardiello, fitness expert for OK! And Star magazines. Time yourself and try to hold the one-legged stance 30-to-60 seconds before switching legs.

Get pumped
Put on music while getting dressed and dance around the house to trim, tone and strengthen your core, says Cardiello. This little a.m. warm up will create an ‘after burner’ effect for the rest of the day, so you burn more calories.

Tighten legs and glutes
Try doing squats while blow drying your hair, says Jennifer E. Seyler, a Chicago-based trainer. Hold the squat for as long as possible, then stand up for 30 isometric glute squeezes. Return to squat and repeat set…

Read More: ivillage.com

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